Official: Storms destroy E. Tenn homes, no deaths

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities say powerful storms crossing east Tennessee have destroyed 10 homes and damaged others, though there are no immediate reports of any deaths or injuries.

Spokeswoman Gina Breeding with the office of emergency management in Tennessee's Claiborne County tells The Associated Press that searchers are going door to door amid debris of ruined homes Sunday night in the community of Speedwell. She says the county sheriff and his wife too refuge in their basement when their home was among those destroyed. She says he went to work at a command post.

Dean Flenner of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency tells AP severe storms downed power lines, trees and damaged homes in seven of 36 east Tennessee counties. But he says there was no confirmation late Sunday of any possible tornadoes.